Mina Mozafari

B.S. Chemistry, Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Iran, 2004

M.S. Physical Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 2008

Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada, 2017

mozafarm@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Mina joined us for a PostDoc, after learning five different martial arts and earning a black belt in martial arts. She has since then adopted the nickname ‘Mina the Ninja’.

Jose Uribe

Physical Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Chemistry, Cal State San Bernardino, 2018

jluribe@uci.edu

Fun Fact: He is a light sleeper, but probably not the way you’d think. Most nights he sleeps with his eyes open so any stray light will wake him up. He says, it’s not as bad as it sounds though because at least he doesn’t have to worry about loud neighbors.

Megan Rocha

Chemical Biology Graduate Student

B.A. Chemistry, Whitman College, 2017

rochama@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Megan has a recurring dream about burrito babies, so now she insists on naming each one of the burritos she orders. Some of her favorites are Vegeta (vegetarian), Hamilton (carnitas), and Keegan (vegan).

Marquise Crosby

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, 2019

mcrosby@uci.edu

Fun Fact: His League of Legends screen name is Cardi B. He has an app that generates sound bites of her and uses only that to communicate with teammates during the game…OKURRR?!

Gemma Takahashi

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Geobiology, California Institute of Technology, 2019

grtakaha@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Gemma insists that the only way to cut a grilled cheese, is along the cheese.

Also pictured: Prince, the fridge formerly known as 380 to 435 nanometers.

Zane Long

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Chemistry, UCI, 2018

zglong@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Zane prides himself on unique experiences and loves sharing that he drank the famous sourtoe cocktail (shot of whiskey garnished with a mummified human toe) while visiting Dawson City, Canada on vacation.

Amanda Abiad

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Biochemistry, Cal State Fullerton, 2019

aabiad@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Amanda is a semi-professional cosplayer who won awards for dressing as Nyalathotep at a local event!

Collin Sroge

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Student

B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Purdue, 2019

csroge@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Collin is an avid sports watcher, especially Artistic Swimming (formerly synchronized swimming). He perfectly predicted the point spread of the top five teams in the 2021 olympics!

Matthew Jimenez

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S.Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UC San Diego, 2021

mdjimen1@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Matthew takes fitness to the next level! To prepare for his marathon, he ran backwards up the Bridge to Nowhere trail on Mt. Baldy (9.9 miles) to improve his hamstring strength.

Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Molecular Genetics, Univeristy of Rochester, 2021

B.A. Chemistry, University of Rochester 2021

yeonseos@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Catherine is an avid singer. While practicing for an audition she has broken multiple beakers just by the strength of her voice.

Jaewon Suk

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Biochemistry, UC Santa Barbara, 2020

jaewos1@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Jaewon is the master of dice. He always has them ready to wow you with a trick! His favorites are The Three Dice Guessing Trick, Diceman, and Dice Stacking.

Annie McAllister

Chemistry Graduate student

B.S. Chemistry, George Mason University, 2023

avmcalli@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Before joining UCI Annie was an assistant aquatic trainer, where she helped train dolphins for big shows. She developed such a strong bond with the animals that she gained the ability to communicate with them using her mind. Rumor has it she now controls a small group of them not far from Newport Beach.

Karen Campos

Chemistry Graduate Student

B.S. Chemistry, San Diego State University, 2023

kscampos@uci.edu

Fun Fact: Karen is an active member in the Pokemon competitive scene. Her favorite team is 6 Gastrodons.

Jonathan Le

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2024)

Kaylee Grace Chiou

Major: Chemistry (2024)

Thomas Cao
Major: Chemistry (2024)

Ellen Xu

Major: Chemistry (2024)

Paaras Shah

Major: Chemistry (2026)

Devin Hemmans

Major: Chemistry (2025)

Paul Chau

Major: Chemistry (2025)

Franchesca Cumpio
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2025)

Anna Nguyen
Major: Chemistry & Biological Sciences (2025)

Vanessa Encinas
Major: Chemistry (2025)

Joye Liang
Major: Chemistry (2025)

Thinh Nhu Nguyen
Major: Chemistry & Molecular biology and biochemistry (2025)

Aakrish Mittal
Major: Chemistry and Biological Sciences (2025)

Neptune

Rescue from Newport Beach Animal Shelter. Loves people, food, and running. Thankful neither of his parents work with lasers…he doesn’t trust them. Follows the central dogema. Ironically hates water. @pugneptune

Timothy

Is betta testing the lab to see if it will tank. So far he feels that being in school is going swimmingly, even though he sometimes flakes. Sincerely loves water, some might even say it breathes life into him.